10 Joanna Gaines Bathroom Ideas to Steal: Cozy, Modern Farmhouse Touches for a Bathroom You’ll Love

Once, a client handed me a photo torn from a magazine and declared, “I want this exact bathroom… but it needs to fit into my 45-square-foot space.” I laughed, then rolled up my sleeves — because if I’ve learned anything in 10+ years of design, small spaces can push your creativity further than you ever thought possible. And Joanna Gaines? She’s the queen of making every inch feel warm, functional, and gorgeous. Today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom ideas inspired by her style, with some tricks I’ve tried in real life.

1. Shiplap Walls for Instant Warmth

Nothing says Joanna Gaines quite like crisp white shiplap. It reflects light beautifully and adds subtle texture, perfect for small bathrooms. Just remember: humidity can be an enemy, so seal it well. I once transformed a dark powder room with shiplap, and it felt twice the size without moving a single wall.

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2. Vintage-Inspired Vanities

Find an old dresser, give it a coat of chalk paint, and cut holes for plumbing — it’s a DIY dream. Joanna often uses these to add charm without sacrificing function. I did this for a client who loved antiques, and it paired wonderfully with our cozy farmhouse room planning session.

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3. Subway Tile, but with a Twist

Instead of classic horizontal lines, try herringbone or vertical stacking. It elevates the look while staying timeless. Light grout keeps it airy; dark grout adds drama. The first time I tried vertical tiles, my contractor raised an eyebrow — now he uses it on his own projects.

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4. Bold Black Fixtures

Matte black faucets and showerheads instantly modernize a space. They also hide fingerprints better than chrome. I do caution clients: hard water spots show up faster, so wipe them down often.

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5. Statement Mirrors

A round, wood-framed mirror can soften the sharper lines of tile and cabinetry. Mirrors also bounce light — in my tiny bathroom floor plan mock-ups, a bigger mirror often means a brighter space without adding new fixtures.

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6. Mixed Metal Accents

Joanna isn’t afraid to mix brass with black or chrome with gold. Done right, it looks curated rather than chaotic. Think of it like jewelry for your bathroom — the key is repeating each metal at least twice.

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7. Open Shelving with Personality

Replace some upper cabinets with wood shelves to display rolled towels, candles, and plants. I once used reclaimed barn wood for shelving; it added texture while keeping costs low.

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8. Freestanding Tubs

If space allows, a freestanding tub is a true centerpiece. Even in small bathrooms, a petite slipper tub can create drama, though you might have to get creative with storage. One couple I worked with paired theirs with a built-in niche for bath salts and greenery.

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9. Textured Rugs and Towels

Layering textures keeps a neutral palette from falling flat. Think Turkish towels, woven baskets, and soft bath rugs. I’ve even sourced towels to match a client’s patterned floor tile — it’s the little details!

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10. Smart Layout with Flow

No matter how beautiful the finishes, a cramped layout will ruin daily use. Planning where each fixture goes is step one — tools like our bathroom design tool make it easy to visualize before you commit to plumbing changes.

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FAQ

Q: Can I mix Joanna Gaines style with modern minimalism?

A: Absolutely. Keep the core elements like shiplap or natural wood, but streamline your color palette and decor pieces.

Q: What’s Joanna Gaines’ signature bathroom element?

A: Shiplap walls and vintage-inspired vanities are almost always present.

Q: Any quick update ideas on a budget?

A: Swap out your hardware, add a statement mirror, and bring in textured towels — minimal cost, big impact.